Meindl Vakuum GTX Walking Boot for Men
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

	Vakuum GTX Walking Boot for Men Vital Statistics: Sizes: UK 6 - 12 Weight: 790g (size 8) SRP: £184.99

Vakuum GTX Walking Boot for Men

Vital Statistics:

Sizes:
UK 6 - 12

Weight:
790g (size 8)

SRP:
£184.99

Features to Note:

Outer Material: Nubuck Leather
Outer Sole: Meindl Multigrip® 2 by Vibram
Lining: Gore-Tex®
Air-Active® Footbed - removable dry sole that absorbs moisture and dries quickly - conduct moisture away from sole
Memory foam system in ankle, collar, tongue, hell and ball of foot zones - foam that adjusts to the specific foot shape
Improved lacing system to ensure easy running of laces
Two zone lacing system
Multigriff sole by Vibram - 5mm higher shock absorbing wedge in women's models
Easy lacing eyes

In-use Test:

I tested a pair of size 10 1/2 Meindl Vakuum GTX Walking Boots in the Lake District on one of my regular walks - this time up onto the Scafell Pike plateau to visit England's highest point. This walk from Eskdale included several miles along rough and stony tracks followed by short but very steep grass and then an easy scramble across rocky terrain on to the summit itself. As it was Spring time I was carrying a relatively light daypack.

The Goretex lining meant that whilst my feet did tend to get quite hot at times they stayed dry and really very comfortable throughout the day. These boots are also cut relatively high which I thought was going to be a problem when I first tried them on in the office - but out in the hills this proved to be unfounded.

The Meindl Vakuum GTX Walking Boots have a nice solid toe box and a good degree of stiffness in the sole so the support and protection provided to my foot and ankle was very good even on the rockier sections of the walk. The grip on all the terrains I encountered was also reassuring. The two zone lacing system enabled me to get the right fit at my toes and around my upper foot, ankle and heel which is important.

The support both longitudinally and laterally was very good and the boot fits relatively high up around the ankle so walking over relatively rocky ground was not a problem. Traction on rocky paths, mud and wet grass was also excellent.

Whilst I'd never recommend that anyone actually set out on a day's walking with completely brand new boots, these boots really were very, very comfortable straight out of the box. I have no doubt they will be for many miles to come.

Buying Advice:

As with the women's version - these are a fine pair of boots from a manufacturer with a long tradition of quality boot making. The range of features in what is a relatively light boot is very impressive.

Meindl don't officially categorise these as being for use with crampons but we think they could be used with flexible crampons for short periods of time.

The Goretex lining means that they're probably warm enough to be used all through the year and features such as the hand-wrapped rubber rand and quality stitching mean the the durability should be good.

So if you walk in higher UK mountains such as The Lake District, Snowdonia and Scotland during the spring, summer and autumn months then the Meindl Vakuum GTX Walking Boots are certainly worthy of serious consideration. They are relatively expensive - but if you are a regular walker having to replace some old friends make sure you dip your toe into a pair of these.

What do you think?

Have you got a pair of Meindl Vakuum GTX Walking Boot for Men?

We would love to hear what you thought of it - good, bad or indifferent. Perhaps you simply disagree with the verdict above - or feel an important feature has been negelected.

Let us know by clicking this link - What I think of Meindl Vakuum GTX Walking Boot for Men - so we can publish your important views below.

• Just purchasing my 3rd pair of the said boots they arrived very comfortable and support the feet well,however the rubber rand on all 3 pairs ive had comes away from the leather in less the 3 months on the latest pair i purchased, trued to find other boots but can't find anything that feels as comfy as the GTX VACUUMS. So 4th pair have been ordered and I'm going to have a new soul and re rand fitted to my current pair and see how long they last. Bear I mind I wear these boots 5 days a week as I cut grass as my job , so its up and down on grass most of the time that the boots have to contend with, bit disappointed that I can't get even q2 months wear from them for nearly 300 quid!

Andrew Rosner, Birmingham

• In 2018 I did Everest Base Camp in a pair of Meindl Vakuum's. I remember commenting at some of the lodges that I was in no hurry to take them off at the end of the day. I only did a couple of walks along the Tyne valley to break them in, and at no time did my feet feel tired. The soles are the stiffest I have ever used so they did feel a bit odd at first, almost like walking in ski boots as they are heavy. However, they are the most comfortable boots I have used in four decades of hiking. I have turned my ankles a few times over the years, but never in these, the support in that area is excellent. I would buy again but at my age I hope I don't have to. I saved on the original cost by going to a shop that price matched with a better price way down south. No regrets with this purchase.

Andrew Scott, Newcastle Upon Tyne

• In comparison to the meindl kansas these boots feel heavy, clumpy and too warm. There is also no roll. I presume these boots are for mountain walking not general hill walking such as the Chiltern Hills. My mistake.

John Mckenna, High Wycombe

• Added a comment before just after buying my first set of Vakuum GTXs & at the time couldn't praise them enough. But after just 11 months I noticed a problem appearing when the sole at the front under the toe on the left boot started to come loose!! On doing some checking around I found out that I wasn't unique & the same problem had happened to quite a few others too. I give my boots a far bit of hammer during the year, but at £175.00 I think they should be able to take it - my last pair of Brashers lasted for 3 years without a problem Just bought a new pair of Mammut for this new season instead at the same price, so we'll see what happens this time?

Steven Gill, Guiseley

• Purchased these in Dec 2010. Waited until now to review. At first I did find these a little uncomfortable which I didn't expect considering the price I paid. But these being my first proper pair I soon realised the benefit of quality walking socks and lacing them up to my personal 'settings' helped a great deal. I had read that modern boots don't need bedding in but, unlike Brian Blessed, if you give them a little time you will love them. I will always own a pair of Meindl boots now. They are unbelievably comfortable and the quality is obvious. Every time i pull them on is a pleasure and I'm sure they will last for many years.

Andy Baggott, Lincoln

• I've had an ankle injury for a while now which has given me a few problems over the last year. So decided at Christmas to replace my old boots for something with a more ridged ankle support. I've always worn Brasher Hillmasters in the past as there bullet proof & reasonably priced, but tried a few other makes on to see if i could find something better. I tried a pair of these Meindl GTX on & they were like wearing cushions on your feet - just had to have some! Very expensive, but top quality & it's certainly improved my ankle problem too.

Steven Gill, Leeds